Ruminal bolus for electronic identification of a ruminant

Abstract

The bolus is intended to be received in the reticulum of a ruminant. It comprises a body ( 10 ) having a housing ( 12 ) for containing a data interchange device ( 14 ). According to the invention, the body ( 10 ) is made of a material based on alumina, Al 2 O 3 , and/or on silica, SiO 2 .

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A bolus for electronically identifying a ruminant, the bolus being designed to be received in the reticulum of the ruminant and comprising a body itself having a housing designed to contain a data interchange device, wherein the body is made of a material having an alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) content in the range of about 60% to about 99.5% by weight U.S. Pat. Application 09/029,261. 
     
     
       2. The bolus according to claim  1 , wherein the body is made of a material having an alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) content in the range of about 75% to 99.5% by weight. 
     
     
       3. The bolus according to claim  2 , wherein the body is made of a material having an alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) content in the range of about 80% to 99.5% by weight. 
     
     
       4. The bolus according to claim  1 , which is substantially non-magnetic. 
     
     
       5. The bolus according to claim  1 , wherein the center of gravity and the geometrical center of the body substantially coincide. 
     
     
       6. The bolus according to claim  1 , wherein the body is substantially cylindrical in shape having rounded or chamfered edges. 
     
     
       7. The bolus according to claim  1 , wherein the housing for the electronic data interchange device is accessible from one end or from two opposite ends of the body. 
     
     
       8. The bolus according to claim  1 , which further comprises a sleeve of elastic material designed to receive the data interchange device and adapted to be received snugly in the housing. 
     
     
       9. The ruminal bolus according to claim  1 , which is equipped with a data exchange device in said housing. 
     
     
       10. The bolus according to claim  1 , wherein the density of the material is not less than 2.5 g/cm 3 . 
     
     
       11. The bolus according to claim  1 , wherein the density of the material is not less than 3 g/cm 3 . 
     
     
       12. The bolus according to claim  1 , wherein the density of the material is not less than 3.5 g/cm 3 .